Bad Teacher; Sugar Daddy Quest, New "Endow"ments, and How NOT to teach

Bad Teacher

Synopsis: Bad Teacher is highlighted with a budding teacher, Ms. Halsey's crude seventh grade classroom antics, recklessly bottled with her mean-spirited flavour. The film offers a laugh-filled quest for winning a rich man, and is especially tailored for young adults.

Genre: Comedy

Released: June 2011
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel

Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg

                                                               Bad Teacher Trailer

                                                                  
 Teacher Elizabeth Halsey, (Cameron Diaz) returns home on the last day of school, to be thrown a devastating curve ball. Her longtime wealthy boyfriend has suddenly ditched her, thus taking away her lavishly accustomed lifestyle.

As her coping method, she sets her sole mission in life to entrap any new rich man and encounters some hilarious bumps (two) along the way. Her ultimate prize is Scott, (Justin Timberlake) who is a newbie staff member, rich (check) and therefore is perceived as fair game for all (not good). An interesting paring, as they were a couple in real life, working their chemistry with no problem.

Elizabeth learns to her chagrin, that Scott prefers well-endowed women, AND another teacher on staff, Ms. Perfect Academia, Amy (Lucy Punch) is also steadfast in the running for his affections. No matter. She sets her mind on purchasing a new set for herself which unfortunately requires a pile of money she does not have anymore. Elizabeth is bent on landing Scott and leads us through a "no-holds barred" journey to win her ticket to a cushy life; restored for good.

The storyline remains afloat via a variety of delinquent behaviors, along with some heartwarming themes that emerge. One tangent, staff friendships, is displayed by an unconditionally supportive, naive gal pal teacher, Lynn (Phyllis Smith, The Office). The wonky, aloof, principal Wally Snur, (John Michael Higgins) complete with his dolphin fetish also contributes to her social circle of misfits. A brief bathroom scene with principal Snur, and Elizabeth offers a few audible surprises, and keeps the laughter "flowing."

The gold digging escapades heat up with Elizabeth's two ventures she harnesses to raise money for her cosmetic surgery. First, a busting-out car wash fundraiser exposes young eyes gleefully, uh, during the wash cycle. To follow that event, her main scheme for gathering cash, is hoping to win the seventh grade classroom state academic test. With a prize of $5700.00 for best scores, she determines her class must win, and ventures to seduce the state academic official for any assistance he can render.

The secondary romantic potential is kept at bay and keeps us guessing, with the advances of teacher Russell, (Jason Segel). He meekly offers his affections to Elizabeth, but is bluntly turned down of course, due to his meager banking potential, (alas), he still is only a Physical Education teacher. Russell's contribution is touching in the mix, and we can't help but root for him as the story progresses.

Cameron Diaz does not disappoint, and Justin Timberlake accomplishes his clued-out, prudish role smoothly. The language is vulgar, with staff activities unpredictable, delivering a comical, atypical examination of the teaching profession.

(Rated R, Sexual content, Coarse Language, Drug Use)